Girdling of Citrus aurantium seedlings inhibited translocation of 14C-sucrose from leaves to roots, yet starch accumulation was observed in all parts of the seedlings including roots. Results indicated that girdling triggered starch accumulation in roots independent of carbohydrate transport from the leaves. The increase in starch content of leaves was accompanied by a decrease in the specific activity of the accumulated starch. Girdling also caused an increase in fresh weight in all parts of the seedling and a decrease in percentage dry weight of rootlets.